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When it comes to skincare, finding a good product lineup is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and bright appearance that allows your outer beauty to match your inner self. Often included in this routine is an array of toners, serums, exfoliators and cleansers. However, overusing some products can actually cause more damage to your face than not using them at all, stripping the skin of the essential oil it needs to glow. We got to thinking: how often should you actually be exfoliating to bring out the best in your appearance without overdoing it? This is what a dermatologist wants you to know.
According to Healthline, “Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliation tool.” This can be done with a scrub, face pad, or homemade solution, but the end goal is the same: to remove dead skin from your face. However, no matter how good it may feel to start with a fresh complexion following exfoliation, you could be overusing this skincare tool to your detriment.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak explains that while exfoliation is critical for beautiful skin, how frequently you should be doing it depends on the dryness and sensitivity of your face, as well as the climate you live in. “The most anyone should be exfoliating is three times per week. If your skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, you should limit it to once or twice per week, and take care to use lighter pressure and a gentler exfoliator such as sugar if you do it mechanically,” he explains, noting that with oiler skin, more frequent exfoliation can be useful.
Exfoliating too often can cause intense redness, irritation, and even dryness on the skin. This can exacerbate existing issues you may be suffering from as well, making it more difficult to achieve the flawless, glowing complexion we’re all striving for. Dr. Mamelak warns that exfoliating too frequently could even potentially cause infection in the skin if it becomes irritated. Because of this, limiting your exfoliation in accordance with your skin type will reap you the most benefits, allowing for a smoother appearance that doesn’t require makeup to look perfect.
A successful skincare routine depends on the function of all of your beauty products together, so exfoliating between one and three times a week will help to set the stage for the rest of your routine to effectively soak into your skin and do its job. So long as you aren’t overdoing it, exfoliation can help to smooth out your complexion, allowing for your natural glow to be revealed from behind the dead skin cells that may be making you appear dull and muted. And if you aren’t exfoliating, you should be!
